Research Focus: 

Photobiology research, light and health, human factors in lighting, non-visual effects of light, circadian phototransduction, effects of light on sleep, effects of light on alertness, lighting for older adults 

Profile: 

Mariana G. Figueiro, Ph.D., is Director of the Lighting Research Center (LRC) and Professor of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She has also served as Light and Health Program Director at the LRC since 1999. Dr. Figueiro is well known for her research on the effects of light on human health, circadian photobiology, and lighting for older adults. She holds a bachelor's in architectural engineering, a master's in lighting and a doctorate in multidisciplinary science. Her master's and Ph.D. dissertation research focused on the human circadian response to light. Figueiro is the recipient of the 2007 NYSTAR James D. Watson Award, the 2008 Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award, and the 2010 Rensselaer James M. Tien '66 Early Career Award. In 2013 she was elected Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society. She is the author of more than 100 scientific articles in her field of research. Her research is regularly featured in national media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Scientific American. Dr. Figueiro has also brought attention to the significance of light and health as a topic of public interest through her recent TEDMED talk. 

Education:  

B.S. in architecture and urbanism, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil; M.S. in lighting, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Ph.D. in Multidisciplinary Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute